Take care when you're in the heat

Published: Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:42 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:42 a.m.

That's not a surprise in June in south Louisiana, but it is exceptionally hot. And we all know that the hot weather is here to stay.

That means people have to take care when we're outside for any extended length of time, particularly if they are working or engaged in some other strenuous activity.

A good example of a sensible way to work can be seen along the coast, where oil-cleanup workers are removing the tarry mess from the beaches.

They don't work for hours on end in the midday heat. Instead, they work for about 15 minutes at a time, then take breaks to drink water and rest in the shade.

It might look like a process that is designed to waste time, but it actually does the opposite. Because of the time set aside for rest and water, more of the workers can remain on the job rather than being taken to nearby medical tents to be treated for heat exhaustion.

With heat indexes of well above 100 degrees last week, people throughout our region had to come to terms with the true arrival of summer and what that will mean for outside work in the coming months.

At the highest risk are the young and the old, but people of all ages should treat the heat with care, trying to avoid long stretches in the hot sun.

If you notice any signs of heat illness, get inside, get some rest and drink some water. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, flushed skin, heavy sweating and headaches.

If a person faints or vomits after showing any signs of heat illness, he or she could be in severe danger. Call 911.

In south Louisiana, we joke about the heat we endure each summer. But staying safe in that heat is no laughing matter.

Other safety tips, according to the Red Cross are:

-- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

-- Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

<p>It's hot.</p><p>That's not a surprise in June in south Louisiana, but it is exceptionally hot. And we all know that the hot weather is here to stay.</p><p>That means people have to take care when we're outside for any extended length of time, particularly if they are working or engaged in some other strenuous activity.</p><p>A good example of a sensible way to work can be seen along the coast, where oil-cleanup workers are removing the tarry mess from the beaches.</p><p>They don't work for hours on end in the midday heat. Instead, they work for about 15 minutes at a time, then take breaks to drink water and rest in the shade.</p><p>It might look like a process that is designed to waste time, but it actually does the opposite. Because of the time set aside for rest and water, more of the workers can remain on the job rather than being taken to nearby medical tents to be treated for heat exhaustion.</p><p>With heat indexes of well above 100 degrees last week, people throughout our region had to come to terms with the true arrival of summer and what that will mean for outside work in the coming months.</p><p>At the highest risk are the young and the old, but people of all ages should treat the heat with care, trying to avoid long stretches in the hot sun.</p><p>If you notice any signs of heat illness, get inside, get some rest and drink some water. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, flushed skin, heavy sweating and headaches.</p><p>If a person faints or vomits after showing any signs of heat illness, he or she could be in severe danger. Call 911.</p><p>In south Louisiana, we joke about the heat we endure each summer. But staying safe in that heat is no laughing matter.</p><p>Other safety tips, according to the Red Cross are:</p><p>-- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.</p><p>-- Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.</p><p>-- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.</p><p>-- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.</p><p>-- Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.</p><p>-- Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.</p><p>Editorials represent the opinions of</p><p>the newspaper, not of any individual.</p>